Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe

When the autumn breeze starts to cool the air, it’s the perfect time to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting smells of baking. One of the best recipes to try is Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and packed with the delightful flavor of pumpkin and spices. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. So, let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how to create these delicious treats.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. First, they are incredibly delicious and perfect for the fall season. As the weather gets cooler, the taste of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg provides comfort that warms you from the inside out.

Second, they are easy to prepare. This recipe does not require advanced baking skills, making it accessible for everyone, from beginners to experienced bakers. You simply mix wet ingredients, combine them with dry ingredients, and bake.

Third, these muffins are great for sharing. Whether for a family gathering, a potluck, or even just having friends over, these muffins will impress everyone. Plus, you can eat them plain or dressed up, making them versatile for any occasion.

Lastly, they are nutritious. Pumpkin is full of vitamins and fiber, while cream cheese adds a rich flavor and texture. These muffins provide a cozy treat without feeling guilty.

Now that you understand the joy of baking Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins let’s go through how to make them.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is simple and enjoyable. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your batch of delicious muffins.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup streusel topping (optional)

Directions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to line a muffin tin with paper liners to make it easy to remove the muffins after baking.

2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that each muffin will have an even flavor.

4. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; some lumps are okay. This will help keep your muffins fluffy.

5. Prepare the muffin pan: Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. If you want to add some extra crunch, sprinkle the optional streusel topping over the batter in each cup.

6. Bake the muffins: Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If the toothpick comes out clean, they are ready!

7. Cool the muffins: After baking, let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help prevent them from getting soggy.

Once cooled, your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Serving Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is quite easy. They can be served plain, allowing their rich flavor to shine through. However, if you want to add a special touch, consider these ideas:

• With a cup of coffee or tea: Pair your muffins with a hot drink. The warmth of the beverage complements the muffins perfectly.

• Breakfast delight: Serve these muffins as part of a breakfast spread. You can pair them with other items like scrambled eggs or fruit for a full meal.

• Snack time: Perfect as an afternoon snack, these muffins can also satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly indulgent.

• Gifting: Wrap them in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon. They make lovely homemade gifts for friends or neighbors during the holiday season.

How to Store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Proper storage will keep your muffins fresh. Here’s how to store Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins:

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the muffins within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and tasty.

• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week this way.

• Freezing Muffins: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Make sure they are completely cool, then wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Here are some handy tips to enhance your muffin-making experience:

1. Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your pumpkin puree is fresh and not expired. Fresh ingredients lead to the best flavor.

2. Room temperature ingredients: Taking eggs and cream cheese out to reach room temperature before mixing can help everything blend more easily.

3. Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

4. Streusel topping: If you’re using the optional streusel topping, prepare it before starting the muffins. This way, you can quickly add it without slowing down the process.

5. Check for doneness: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your muffins towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking.

Variation

While this recipe for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins is fantastic as is, you can also try some variations:

1. Nutty Muffins: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft muffins.

2. Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. This combination of chocolate and pumpkin pairs wonderfully.

3. Dried Fruits: Incorporating dried cranberries or raisins can add a hint of sweetness and a chewy texture.

4. Spiced Up: If you like extra spice, add a little extra ground cinnamon or a dash of allspice to the batter for more flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook it and mash it until smooth before using it in the recipe. Make sure to drain excess moisture for the best results.

2. Are these muffins suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze these muffins for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well and store them in an airtight container.

3. How can I tell when my muffins are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the muffins are done. If the toothpick has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

Enjoy baking your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins and share the joy with your friends and family!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Moist and fluffy muffins packed with the delightful flavor of pumpkin and spices, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 muffins

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree Canned or fresh, cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened Ensure it's at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs Should be at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Optional Topping

• 1/2 cup streusel topping Optional, for added crunch

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter, and sprinkle streusel topping if using.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
7. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm with coffee or tea, delicious as a snack or breakfast item. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Muffins can also be frozen for up to three months.